California Travel Guides

California spotlight

Santa Cruz is a storied destination, enviably positioned between mountains and the sea. Its lodging options cater to the visitor interested in enjoying its climate, outdoor pursuits, eclectic dining, and vibrant arts scene. Whether you stay in a vintage motel or an exclusive enclave, you'll find knowledgeable locals and proprietors - even other guests - who will help curate a worthwhile experience.

Staying in a national park won't limit you to tent or RV camping. Yosemite's campgrounds have semi-permanent platform tents, as well as cozy cabins. You'll find hotels with accommodation ranging from kid-friendly bunk beds, to luxurious suites with panoramic balcony views. You can also rent cottages. Towns surrounding the park offer an even broader range of options.

Most of Anaheim’s hotel scene is within a 1-mile radius of Disneyland® Resort and the adjacent Anaheim Convention Center. Venture outside the city, and you'll find even more hotels to choose from, mostly located near Orange County’s other hubs for business and pleasure. You can get to Anaheim from a few of these areas via the Anaheim Resort Transit shuttle.

Staying in San Jose leaves you in the center of the action. But you can also sleep in one of several cities nearby, like Mountain View, where eco-friendly innovations and technology collide at Google's massive state-of-the-art headquarters. Or you can opt for Cupertino, a quieter destination where you'll be able to enjoy Northern California's natural beauty only 15-minutes from the big city.

There are essentially 2 sections of town you’ll be looking at if you plan to stay at a hotel in Coronado. Because of the compact nature of Coronado, you'll be near the water regardless of which section you choose. The downtown neighborhood places you near famed Coronado Central Beach. Ferry Landing, on the other hand, puts you close to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and ferries to the mainland.

From spa hotels to upscale boutiques, Santa Monica's stylish stays lie mostly along the mile-long coastline, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A few blocks from the sand and the city's famous pier, downtown Santa Monica accommodation is less glam but closer to shopping, dining, and nightlife. For the traveler on a budget, more modestly-priced hotels are located farther inland.

Long Beach, a city by the sea, has accommodation to suit everyone. From budget-friendly motels to 4-star hotels that are practically destinations in themselves, it's all here. If you're a beachgoer, head to the shore. Into indie shops and restaurants? Check out the East Village. If vintage is your thing, try 4th Street.

Santa Cruz is a mecca for artists, outdoor enthusiasts-turned-business-owners, and other individualists inspired by its oceanfront setting. Commerce in Santa Cruz isn't just about selling you something: It's more a transaction between an artist or craftsperson who cares deeply about what they've created and who wants you to enjoy it thoroughly. Be prepared: Your Santa Cruz mementos might become your all-time travel favorites.

To experience the best of this Central Coast surf town, you'll need to accept its own sunny terms. Slow down. Step outdoors and set off to explore its famous beaches, waterfront attractions, and world-class music events. Most important, open yourself to meeting your fellow travelers - and there will be many - from itinerant surfers to families from abroad. By day's end, the casual, kindly atmosphere will have soaked in like sunlight itself.

Santa Cruz, on California's Central Coast, is both beach town and mountain village. Though it's known for world-class surf, acclaimed artists, and one of the nation's grandest seaside amusement parks, the city still feels off the beaten path. You're as likely to find yourself latte-to-latte with a famous athlete as to hear the next generation of jazz greats riff beach-side. Relax, and you'll fit right in.

Juxtaposed between the cobalt Pacific Ocean and the verdant Santa Lucia Mountains, California's Big Sur region treats visitors to some of America's most magnificent scenery. Expect dramatic terrain, magical vistas, and wildly rugged shores. Come for the views, wildlife, and spirit of adventure - as so many writers, soul-searchers, and nature-lovers have before.

Yosemite receives 3.7 million visitors per year without really feeling crowded. While Yosemite is above all a national park, luring rock climbers and hikers to its 600 miles of trails, there are facilities for cycling, horseback riding, water sports, skiing and even golf.

Yosemite National Park encompasses massive granite mountains, hundreds of waterfalls, 1,600 miles of rushing streams, meadows, and 3 groves of giant sequoia trees. It is easy to feel humble in Yosemite Valley when standing at the base of 4,800-foot-high Half Dome, or at the summit. First-time visitors may find these views familiar, from classic paintings by Thomas Ayres, and the legendary photographs of Ansel Adams.

Anaheim shopping is definitely diverse. The city itself is an ideal spot for picking up souvenirs, particularly if you want to bring a piece of Disneyland® Resort home. The rest of Orange County will treat you to some of Southern California’s most sophisticated shopping experiences. The OC is also home to clusters of unique districts and retail centers offering a more relaxed, bohemian ambiance.

Disneyland® Resort is undeniably Anaheim's biggest claim to travel fame, but vacationers building an agenda around the sprawling theme park will quickly discover plenty of other must-see activities in the area. From frolicking in the surf at a local beach to examining the legacy of a U.S. President, Anaheim is packed with options for making your vacation unforgettable.

San Jose is one of those cities that seems to have a little something for everyone, including first-class shopping to satisfy your urge for retail therapy. You can peruse imported Japanese gifts, like home ware and handmade crafts, in Japantown, or go boutique-shopping for something extra special at Santana Row. IBISS is a local secret, where you'll find funky, stylish clothing and fashion accessories.

San Jose is a vivacious city that enjoys showing off its assets, whether for its place in the world of technology and innovation, embracing world cultures, or appreciating the finer things in life. Known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” the city is chock full of things to do, including several museums, lush public gardens, and colorful markets.

A city known for its affluence and influence in the world of technology, San Jose is an exciting place to visit year round. Downtown is the place to be for easy access to the city's museums, art galleries, and hip cafés, while Little Saigon has some of the best Vietnamese food you'll find anywhere. Japantown is the hub for truly authentic Japanese food, clothing, and handicrafts.

Coronado’s dual nature as a laid-back seaside community and a playground for luxury is well represented by its eclectic shopping scene. If you stick to the main street, you’ll find independent upscale boutiques, casual places to buy trinkets, surf and beach clothing shops, and virtually no chain stores. Gravitate toward the hotels, and you’ll encounter stores specializing in designer fashions and high-end beach couture.

Whether you're in the mood to lounge on the beach, learn how to surf, pedal along a seaside trail, or indulge in a shopping spree, Coronado has you covered. To experience the island's cultural side, you can visit historical landmarks, stroll through a museum, and take in a play. Tours by foot, ferry, boat, or bike will introduce you to the island within an hour.

Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, the seaside village of Coronado (“the crowned one” in Spanish) includes some of the best beaches in the US. For most visitors, the sunshine, surf, and sand are the main attractions. But there's lots more to entice you: the legendary Hotel del Coronado, scenic bike trails, browse-worthy shops, and a tempting array of restaurants.

When you think of Beverly Hills, chances are scenes of glitzy shops and glamorous people spring to mind. This manicured city offers plenty of places to pick up the latest fashions and attractions that pay tribute to Tinseltown’s history. You’ll also enjoy close proximity to Los Angeles, which features top sights including the star-lined streets of Hollywood and the Pacific Coast Highway’s busy beaches.

Santa Monica's gorgeous coastline may be its primary draw, but it also lures visitors with its vast array of shopping options. Alfresco malls allow you to soak up the sun as you drop some cash, while elegant boutiques and cool vintage shops will lend your wardrobe an enviable dash of California cool. Hungry for fresh treats? Foodies will flip for the city's various local farmers markets.

Sun, surf, and sand are likely the first things to pop into your head when you think about Santa Monica. And it's true: The spectacular coastline, with about 3 miles of beachfront, is the star attraction of this quintessential Southern California city. But oceanfront bike rides, amusement park thrills, world-class restaurants, and farm-fresh markets are also a big part of Santa Monica's appeal.

Year-round warm weather greets visitors who flock to Santa Monica for its outdoor recreation and cultural scene. Backed by mountains and sandstone cliffs, more than 3 miles of coastline with calm Pacific waters are a top draw. But a wander beyond the beach reveals stroll-friendly city streets lined with dining, shopping, and entertainment options that entice sightseers from across the globe.

At this busy beachfront city, you're never far from a little retail therapy. Long Beach's diverse neighborhoods are home to equally diverse retailers ranging from funky local spots to big shopping malls packed with big-name retailers. Whether you're in the market for the latest beach fashions or retro-cool vintage clothing, you'll find it here.

Long Beach is the perfect blend of old-school California beach town and eclectic, buzzing metropolis. Thanks to its harbor-side location, cultural diversity, and generally sunny weather, Long Beach and its surrounding area provide a wide variety of things to see and explore all year round. Sure, there's the beach, but there's so much more.

A short ride from Los Angeles’s LAX airport, Long Beach wraps a vibrant, cutting-edge city and a quaint coastal town into a bountiful beachside experience. Where else can you find whale-watching tours, buzzing nightlife, a world-class aquarium, museums of Latin American and Pacific Island art, sandy shores, and a famous retired ocean liner? And that’s just the start.

Known as a laid-back, friendly tour stop for artists traveling to the Bay Area, Santa Cruz is spangled with intimate nightclubs, music venues, and theaters from West Cliff to Aptos. Refreshing ocean breezes in the evenings invite you to stroll from venue to venue, or linger in conversation under the stars.

With temperatures generally around 70 degrees F (21 C) year-round, Santa Cruz naturally inspires kid-friendly activities outdoors. Younger children enjoy tide pools along the county's 29 miles of coastline, while older kids love the challenge of water-sports lessons. Many museums and walking tours in town are free, so you can stack the itinerary with arts and culture and still have pocket money for ice cream.

With one of the highest concentrations of resident artists in the country, Santa Cruz teems with creative culture. From theatrical productions to artisan showcases to original artwork mounted on the traffic signal cabinets, you'll discover the city's creative spirit across town year-round. Come see a beloved musical, watch an artist at work, and snap a selfie next to a public art installation.

Yosemite National Park is a child's dream, with kid-friendly tours and organized activities year-round. Besides the many planned events, there are plenty of other age-appropriate opportunities for kids that will get them close to nature, and challenge their outdoor skills.

Anaheim's nocturnal fireworks aren’t limited to the ones lighting up the sky over Disneyland® Resort. There are plenty of different ways to have a good time after the sun goes down, from indulging in a local craft beer to laughing the night away. No matter where you spend your evening, you’ll head back to your hotel room with a smile on your face.

Modern-day Anaheim was built around its status as a family-friendly destination. You and your children will have plenty of reasons to leave your hotel and embrace whatever magic the day has in store. Along with the city's famous theme parks, you'll also find other spots that cultivate their own sense of adventure and wonder.

Most of the city's best nightlife can be found in downtown San Jose. Improvised comedy is a popular choice, with 2 venues offering different styles. Lively bars, lounges, and clubs are plentiful, and cater to eclectic musical tastes, from pop to new wave. Upscale billiards clubs provide a good time in a chilled-out atmosphere.

San Jose is a hot spot for exciting activities the whole family will love, from outdoor fun like paintball, to a planetarium and observatory for space enthusiasts, and Northern California's biggest water park. For fans of live performance, Children's Musical Theater San Jose is a wonderful choice for kids and adults alike, thanks to a talented team of youth performers who put together world-class productions.

Known for its ties to technology, San Jose also takes pride in celebrating culture, history, and great works of art. The city hails local art in sophisticated galleries, where the public is welcome to view exhibits and converse with the artists themselves. Downtown is the place to check out live concerts and Broadway shows, and Winchester Mystery House is a historical landmark that's truly one-of-a-kind.

Coronado’s compact space is loaded with intriguing kid-friendly activities that will keep your children engaged for hours - mostly outdoors in the sunshine. You can expect to see a lot of fun things built around the city’s ideal weather and sandy shoreline. And, of course, many of these activities are great for burning off a little extra energy.

Santa Monica may sleep earlier than its Hollywood neighbor, but it still parties after sundown. Happy hours are found in nearly every corner of the city, from beachfront cafés and swanky wine bars, to neighborhood taverns and upscale lounges. Those with stamina can enjoy live music joints and dance clubs pumping into the wee hours.

Fun and seaside sun await families visiting Santa Monica, where soft sands meet calm ocean waters. But beyond the oceanfront lie activities for all ages, from playgrounds for tots to a theme park that satisfies both teens and parents. Educational entertainment is found at a kid-friendly aviation museum and at an aquarium, while shopping options aimed at adults also have attractions for little ones.

Although Santa Monica's reputation hinges on its 3.5-mile stretch of dazzling coastline, the city also offers plenty of interesting cultural diversions when you want to step away from the beach for a bit. Contemporary art has found a home in Santa Monica's myriad galleries, while both classic and experimental theater and film productions have cemented this city as a breeding ground for emerging talent.

Long Beach has plenty of fun to offer by day, but that's just the beginning. When the sun goes down, the bar scene revs up. Or try something a little different: Join the lively crowd at a dueling piano show or experience some Spanish culture, then cap off your evening with a moonlit stroll by the waterfront.

If you're traveling with kids to Long Beach, the beaches are probably the main attraction. But Long Beach is much more than sand and sun. The city offers plenty of activities that encourage kids to explore and learn, all while getting out that extra energy. From museums to harbor tours, family attractions in Long Beach are fun for everyone.

While the Queen Mary, the aquarium, and the beaches might be on top of your must-do list, Long Beach also offers a wealth of cultural attractions worth exploring. So, why not step away from the beach for a bit and dip your toes into the city’s lively arts scene?

The Santa Cruz area grows both amazing ingredients - including premium wine grapes and juicy berries - and a perennial crop of talented foodsmiths. Across town, morning to night, you'll find these artisans hard at work to present the region's freshest produce, seafood, baked goods, and beverages with flair.

Anaheim’s massive sprawl is home to an eclectic dining scene, ranging from fancy restaurants to casual family-friendly joints. The bulk of the city’s eateries can be found between Disneyland® Resort and its 2 sports stadiums. A similar range of dining choices can also be found in the neighborhoods of adjacent cities, like downtown Fullerton or downtown Brea.

The city embraces a plethora of world cuisines, so foodies will be delighted by what San Jose has in store, including excellent vegetarian options. Close ties with Japan mean there's plenty of fresh sushi, udon noodles, and teriyaki dishes. In Little Saigon, you'll find authentic Vietnamese banh ma sandwiches and rich pho soups. And it wouldn't be California without a great selection of Mexican food.

Coronado’s dining scene is an engaging mix of upscale and casual venues. The restaurants near either of its shores tend to provide diners with dramatic coastal views and an elegant yet approachable ambience. But you'll also find plenty of casual joints that are perfectly suited for a low-key nosh after a day on the beach.

Santa Monica's seaside positioning plays a large part in its cuisine, and its beachy attitude inspires a health-minded philosophy. Fresh local fish and organic produce are popular menu items, while the famous Sunday Main Street Farmers Market is a tasty draw. It's not all kale and sprouts, however. There's a weekly gathering of food trucks serving up hearty American and Mexican favorites, along with European specialties.

Long Beach has a diverse culture with Latin, Asian, and Caribbean populations, and they all influence its dining scene. Beyond all-American favorites like burgers and fries, you'll find inspired California cuisine, classic Cambodian dishes, and even Peruvian fare. Venture into the city's eclectic neighborhoods and experience a culinary adventure all your own.

Locals attest that Santa Cruz is enjoyable year-round, thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate and its prime location between the mountains and sea. A diverse population makes this city home, from well-heeled escapees from major metropolises to world-class surfers living out of their trucks above the surf breaks. Amid this creative, outdoorsy bunch, you'll enjoy ocean-fresh food, seaside fun, and lots of live music.

The allure of Disneyland® transformed Anaheim from a sleepy farm community to an international destination. However, those who visit the city for its legendary amusement park will find even more worth exploring in the rest of Orange County. Famously dubbed “the OC,” the area is home to sparkling beaches, high-end shopping centers with exclusive stores, and international cuisines.

Sunny and warm in both climate and culture, San Jose is the heart of exciting Silicon Valley. The city's status in the world of technology draws people from around the globe, which is reflected in its cultural diversity, including a large population of South Asian, Japanese, and Vietnamese residents. As such, it has plethora of restaurants serving delicious and authentic world cuisine.

Coronado’s mix of pristine beachfront and sunny weather has been attracting vacationers for over a century. Many visitors combine a Coronado getaway with some time in San Diego, easily accessed via a short ferry ride or a drive across the soaring San Diego-Coronado Bridge. And while Coronado is just minutes from a major metropolis, its devotion to being on “island time” makes it feel much farther away.

Developed as a seaside retreat in the early 20th century, Santa Monica has grown into one of America's most desirable destinations. Its warm, sunny weather, easygoing vibe, and beachside location draws a cross section of inhabitants from affluent professionals and families to surfers and students. The city is known for its constellation of activities like biking and surfing, as well as cultural outposts, upscale shops, and a respected film festival.

Long Beach sits on 5.5 miles of Pacific Ocean beachfront. Located 23 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, it's within relatively easy reach of the big city, but it still has the feel of a coastal California town. While the beach might be the main draw, it's just the beginning of what the city has to offer.

While the Bay Area region includes an enormous area of land and several cities, San Francisco itself is one of the most compact cities in America, making it perfect for a short visit, with plenty of scope to hop across the Bay to other places too. Here’s the best way to squeeze everything into 48 hours in the city.

San Francisco’s historic Castro neighbourhood was hotbed to much of America’s gay rights movement in the 1970s Harvey Milk era, and remains one of the world’s most iconic gay villages. Today, The Castro hosts a plethora of gay bars and clubs, restaurants, the GLBT History Museum, the historic Castro Theatre, and a plethora of cultural activities.

Los Angeles is enormous. It isn’t really a city so much as several cities stuck together. This means that without careful planning, you can spend most of your time driving from place to place. Follow this itinerary to avoid that, and see the best parts of the city in a weekend.

Monterey is a delightfully compact city, and extremely easy to navigate by foot. With a wealth of centrally-located hotels to choose from, you’re guaranteed a hassle-free, rejuvenating stay, wherever you decide to bed down. Culture vultures won't be able to resist the allure of the historic center, while honeymooners will be seduced by the romantic tranquility of Monterey Bay. Families meanwhile, will be delighted by the exuberance and energy of fun-filled Cannery Row.

Yes, there's the whale watching and gorgeously craggy shoreline, but Monterey isn't just about sightseeing. Shopping is also an essential component of any visit. With its long-standing reputation as a haven for artists, Monterey County is packed to bursting with galleries and art shops, while Downtown Monterey offers an eclectic range of independent establishments, from eccentric gift shops to treasure-packed antique centers. Of course, high street names can be found here too.

The stunning, historical coastal city of Monterey is one of California’s most vibrant getaways. With a spectacularly rugged coastline, an array of glistening sandy beaches, a thriving arts scene, and an abundance of first-rate restaurants and shopping experiences, you’ll be enthralled. Take a surfing lesson, play a round of golf on a pristine course, or sample prize-winning local wines in sumptuous surroundings – it's all part of the appeal.

Palm Springs has several picturesque neighborhoods, from upmarket areas with designer boutiques and fine dining, to family-friendly residential areas with local charm and kid-friendly attractions. Surrounded by mountains, Palm Springs has spectacular views wherever you decide to stay, and you can choose from central locations with small town charm, or rural retreats with golf courses and hiking trails nearby. It’s no wonder it's been a favorite holiday destination since Hollywood's golden age.

Shopping is a serious business in Palm Springs, with a huge variety of modern malls, boutique-laden streets, and outdoor plazas in a relatively small area. The upmarket reputation that the city has gained over the years means that you'll find lots of world class designers, and there's also a tendency to embrace up and coming talent, with lots of local artists creating their own brands.

Droves of visitors come to Palm Springs for its natural beauty and outdoor attractions from mountains to canyons. It's also a major destination for golf, with several lush green courses to choose from, with world-class facilities. The town also has a rich history, from being a time-honored spot for recuperation, to a place for the stars of Hollywood to relax, and you'll find many historic homes and buildings to explore.

Palm Spring has long been an escape for the rich and famous thanks to its sleek resorts, as well as exclusive leisure facilities such as world-class golf clubs. The town's location in the Coachella Valley means it's ideal for hiking, with plenty of rocky terrain to explore, and there's a charming Downtown area which offers an exciting array of events throughout the year. Students, families, and retirees alike will relish this time-honored American holiday spot.

The sunny city of Santa Barbara has a Spanish influence – think white buildings with colorful ceramic tiles and red roofs – and the Mediterranean vibe extends to the celebrated sandy beaches. As you'd expect from such a popular location, Santa Barbara offers a wide choice of hotels for visitors, whether you are seeking a chic city break or will be spending most of your time by the coast, and there's accommodation to suit all budgets.

Shopping enthusiasts will be in paradise when visiting Santa Barbara, and whether you're a lover of high end designer labels, or prefer to browse bohemian boutiques for that unique find, all sorts of styles are catered for in this diverse city. The natural beauty of the area, coupled with the warm temperature, means that outdoor shopping is generally favored over giant malls, so take your time and enjoy the serene atmosphere Santa Barbara offers.

Santa Barbara has a wealth of attractions – just ambling around enjoying the Mediterranean architecture is enjoyable in itself, and there are also stimulating museums of art and science. The city is also a popular family vacation spot, and there's plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around in the sunshine. Whether it's a stroll down one of the scenic roads, or a drive in the open countryside, there's always something to keep you engrossed.

Set on a long, sandy stretch of beach, with palm trees and clear seas, Santa Barbara is a vacation paradise that attracts surfers, sun seekers, and wine lovers. Often nicknamed the American Riviera, the city has a distinctly European atmosphere, with a busy cultural calendar and red-roofed Spanish-style architecture. There's even a warm Mediterranean climate that makes it ideal for growing grapes, and a rolling landscape of lush green valleys full of wineries.

Whatever your shopping desires, San Francisco has it covered. With its range of vast, glitzy malls - containing some of the flashiest designer names - there’s enough to keep even the most persistent shopper satisfied. But San Francisco’s retail scene really comes alive in its sprawling streets. Pop-up vintage clothing boutiques, old school record stores, and warehouse-sized bookshops are speckled throughout the city, providing abundant opportunities to splurge.

San Francisco resonates with a cool, quirky, and vibrant culture. From the Latin-influenced eateries and weird stores of the historic Mission area, to the ultra-trendy Haight and affluent paradise of Pacific Heights, there’s an area suited for everyone. Visit the museums and art galleries in the centre, and stop by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for spectacular views across the glistening bay waters. Meanwhile, the city's green spaces are perfect for chilling out in.

With its enviable coastal location, year-round growing season, abundance of sea life, and world-renowned vineyards, Monterey is a veritable paradise for lovers of food and drink. As you might expect, local seafood features prominently on many menus – indulge in buttery lobster rolls, steaming clam chowder, or freshly shucked oysters. There’s also an abundance of markets, wineries, and craft breweries, ensuring that delicious taste sensations lurk around every corner.

Palm Springs is full of gastronomic delights, and its reputation as an upmarket vacation spot means that you'll be treated to a wide variety of dining destinations. There are raucous party hang outs with cocktails and live entertainment, and steakhouses with beef raised in the surrounding areas. However, there are also many casual places to eat, from bakeries and stylish cafés to fast food and laid back American dining.

Its position close to the sea, and enviably proximity to fields and groves of fruit and vegetables, means that Santa Barbara's restaurants are obsessed with fresh ingredients. The exclusive location means that you'll find plenty of fine dining hotspots where a celebrity sighting is an everyday occurrence. However, there are also plenty of casual and cozy restaurants where you can enjoy good food for comfortably small price tags.

It almost goes without saying that San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods have created a melting pot of gastronomic wonders. They range from strong Latin influences to rustic Neapolitan cooking, and everything in between. With a strong focus on locally produced organic fruits and vegetables, there’s plenty of good eats for the eco-savvy vegetarian. But San Francisco isn’t afraid to cook old school, and there’s plenty of classic American diners to enjoy.

Like the city’s restaurants, shops and inhabitants, places to stay in Los Angeles are far from predictable and certainly not uniform. Whether you are looking for all out glamour and sophistication, panoramic beach views, a locally-run bed and breakfast or a lively family resort, L.A. can deliver. With attractions spread all over this buzzing city it’s worth considering what you want to be closest to before making your decision, especially if you don’t have access to a car.

Los Angeles truly is a shopper’s paradise – absolutely stuffed with flashy malls, retail boulevards and quirky independent stores. International fashion takes the upper hand here, from the most outrageous designs to sleek modern elegance. The legendary Rodeo Drive, portrayed in so many movies, is the obvious shopper’s magnet – but if you venture beach-ward you’ll also find more affordable shopping havens, in the hipster hangout of Abbot Kinney or Long Beach’s Retro Row.

The ‘City of Angels’ is renowned for its multicultural flavors and Californian spin on the classics. With a penchant for embracing ethnic dishes and traditional American classics you can go from sushi to Thai green curry and Peking duck to southern fried chicken in the blink of an eye. Health food fanatics will also be in their element as organic farm produce is easy to come by and specialist diets are catered for with ease.

A stay in L.A. will never be dull. Whether you crave the bright lights of Hollywood, the great outdoors of Pasadena, the designer boutiques of Rodeo Drive or the sandy expanses of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, you’ll find the L.A. magic scattered wherever you look. Getting around is easier if you hire a car; with a set of wheels you can explore beyond the well-trodden tourist trail and get under the skin of this sunshine city.

Los Angeles is truly a global city that has become famous the world over for its bright lights, big names and a mixing pot of hopes and dreams. Aside from the allure of Hollywood and its thriving film and music industry, Los Angeles is also a mecca for shoppers, foodies, beach-lovers and fitness fans.

Whether you’re an amateur sleuth or a wildlife watcher, everyone will get a kick out of an Alcatraz holiday. A 15-minute boat ride from a range of hotels near Alcatraz, the intimidating prison island hides tales of life behind bars, and is home to rare birds and flowers.

Book a San Diego hotel for a vacation and see killer whales, miniature trains and endangered species. Flying kites or just relaxing on a cruise around the harbor is a fun way to enjoy a vacation with your family in San Diego.

With beaches, mountains and canyons surrounding it, San Diego is an ideal destination for visitors looking for an active vacation. Get outside of your San Diego hotel and let the ocean wind tousle your hair as you surf, sail or bike in the warm California sun.

On a summer vacation in San Diego enjoy a burrito by the beach, the excitement of a baseball game or a taxi ride on the water. Book a summer hotel in San Diego and get ready to learn all about surfers, livestock and wild animals.

On a spring vacation in San Francisco, you'll enjoy mild weather, jazz, art and festive celebrations. Parks and streets will be bustling with locals and visitors enjoying seasonal events. Reserve a spring hotel in San Francisco to enjoy the city by the bay.

One of the most romantic cities in the world, a San Francisco hotel is the ideal place to stay for a couple’s retreat. Create lasting memories with sunset cruises, romantic strolls or an evening cocktail surrounded by a gorgeous city.

On a fall vacation in San Francisco, you’ll enjoy sunny days, mild nights, colorful festivals and seasonal music. The markets and restaurants are brimming with harvest goodies from the Central Valley. Book a fall hotel in San Francisco and enjoy the best weather the Bay Area has all year.

Whether you’re an amateur sleuth or a wildlife watcher, everyone will get a kick out of an Alcatraz holiday. A 15-minute boat ride from a range of hotels near Alcatraz, the intimidating prison island hides tales of life behind bars, and is home to rare birds and flowers.

Summer vacations in Los Angeles are all about blue skies, expansive beaches, garden walks and outdoor concerts. Book a summer hotel in Los Angeles and enjoy the warm weather and leisurely pace of southern California.

The hardest part of a San Diego city break is deciding what to do. This Southern California beach town is well known for its expansive beaches and laid-back surf culture, but there's plenty more to do off the sand. Book a San Diego Hotel and enjoy the culture and flavors of this border city.

Whether spotting whales off the coast, hiking through lush canyons or indulging in a seafood medley, a unique experience unfolds on a Monterey Bay vacation. Book a Monterey Bay hotel and discover its intoxicating treasures.

Get behind the wheel and cruise from glamorous LA to laid-back San Francisco with the sparkling Pacific coastline at your shoulder. Or spend a California vacation exploring dramatic deserts and ancient forests.

Set in the picturesque Coachella Valley, Palm Springs has long been a hideaway for the rich and famous, with spectacular mountain views and sunshine all year round. It’s known as a party spot, but it’s also rich in arts and culture, with festivals and events hosted throughout the area. And you can really make the most of the epic landscape thanks to the biking and hiking trails on offer.

The City of Angels is heaven on earth for shoppers, celeb spotters, and big dreamers, so grab some shades and strut your stuff under the Californian sun. Whether you want to surf the crests of crashing waves, lie back on golden beaches, or splash the cash along the city’s glittering shopping streets, Los Angeles is a city that ceaselessly excites. And don’t be fooled by the reputation for superficiality - if you want to dig a little deeper, you’ll find a city that’s alive with culture and creativity.

Once the sun goes down over the desert, Palm Springs comes to life, with the majority of nightlife venues being casual and laid back. Expect beer and dancing rather than pretentious celebrity joints, although there are some more upmarket venues for special, sleek occasions.

Thanks to the year-round Californian sunshine and laid back atmosphere, Palm Springs is an ideal holiday spot for the whole clan. There's plenty of open desert space that's ideal for hiking and exploration, and a variety of attractions designed for younger visitors. If the sunshine gets too much, head for calm, indoor spaces such as museums and galleries which often run events or tours suitable for their youngest guests.

Palm Springs isn’t just about the nightlife, the partying, and high-end lifestyle. The natural beauty of the desert landscape has long inspired artists and writers who have taken up residence here, and there’s a thriving creative scene which anyone hungry for a bit of culture can sink their teeth into.

Get set for a party with the Hollywood elite, as you dive into Los Angeles’s legendary nightlife. Whether you’re heading out for a glitzy mega-club in a stretch limousine, or hanging out in a lively bar offering endless rows of craft beers and Californian wines, LA’s nightlife is sure to leave you seeing stars.

Blast off for an interstellar adventure, throw your hands in the air on some of the world’s most fearsome roller coasters, and touch perfectly preserved fossils – you can do it all on the ultimate family vacation in Los Angeles. With top class entertainment, sunny beaches, and family-friendly food, LA will bring out the big kid in anyone.

Home to the Hollywood dream factory, and with one out of every six of its residents working in the creative industries, it's hardly a surprise that Los Angeles is a city that drips with culture. Get inspired for yourself by visiting the city’s history-steeped theaters, museums, and music venues.

Take to the streets and wave rainbow flags in support of the Bay Area’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The San Francisco Pride is a two-day celebration showcasing a parade and festival with live music, vendors and parties. Hotels in San Francisco during Pride go quickly, so book in advance.